Improvement in self-adjusting dams for dental use



1. L.-1cHAEvAL'|ER. Self-Adjusting Dams for Dental U'se. 910,152,074.: l Ptentvedlune16,l8'74.

ATTUBMEYS* UNITED STATES PATENT GEEICE.

JACOB L. GHE'V ALTER, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT IN SELF-ADJUSTING DAMS FOR DENTAL USE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 152,074, dated June 16, 1874; application filed May 29, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it `known that I, JAC-on LoUIs CHEVA- LIER., of Newark, Essex county, New Jersey, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Self-Adjusting Dam for Dental Operations,

. of which the following is a specification:

Figure 1 is a side view of my device, partly in section, to 4show the construction. Fig. 2 is a frontview of the saine, the upper front pad being removed, and the lower dam being detached. Fig. 3 is a side view of a modiiication of the same, designed for side teeth; and Fig. 4 is a front view of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

vMy invention has for its object to furnish an improved device for dentists use, for keeping the saliva away from the teeth being operated upon, so as to avoid the necessity of continually wiping out the mouth with cloths, tying rubber around the teeth, and similar devices, and which shall be simple in construction, conveniently and quickly applied, and effective in operation.

The invention consists in the combination of the spring-coil, thc U-frames, and the rubber bags or pouches with each other, whether the said U-frames be rigidly connected with or pivotcd to the said coil, in the combination of the extension-loop with the outer` arm ot' the upper frame; and in the combination of the flap or curtain with the inner arm of the lower frame, as hereinafter fully described.

A represents the frame ot' the deviee,which is formed of wire bent into a coil, and with its ends bent outward. W'hen intended for the front teeth, the coil may be made larger, as

shown in Figs. l and 2, than when made for the side teeth, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. `rlo the projecting ends of the springcoil A are attached, or upon them are formed, U shaped frames B, of such a length as to embrace two or three teeth. For the side teeth, the frames shown in Figs. l and 2, on account of the curvature ot' the roof of the mouth. The outer arm of the upper frame B of the front dam should be made with an extension bow or loop, b', as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, so that it may be extended or contracted, as may be required. The arms of the frame B are covered with rubber bags or pouches C, which are designed to be stuii'ed with sponge or cotton to form pads, which stuffing may be readily moved about-and adjusted, as maybe desired, with a pointed instrument. To the inner arm of the lower frame B of the side dams is attached a rubber' flap or curtain, D, to rest upon the tongue, and prevent said tongue from coming in contact with the tooth being operated upon, should it be raised involuntarily, accidentally, or purposely.

Five of the dams constitute a set-two for each side, and one for the front.

The frames B are made short on account ot' the impossibility of making them of such a curve as would correspond with the curvature of diiierent jaws.

l'n using the front dam, the coil A is turnel at right angles with the frames B, as shown in 1 and 2, so as to enter the mouth,and thus he out oi' the way of the operator. For the same reason, in using` the side dams, the coil A enters first, so as to pass back between the jaws and the check.

Having thus described m y invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Fatcnt- 1. The combination oi` the spring-coil A, U-frames B, and rubber bags or pouches C,

'whether the said frames B be rigidly connected with or pivotcd to the said coil A, substantially as herein shown and described.

2. The combination'ot' the extension-loop b with the outer arm of the upper frame B, substantially as herein shown and described.

3. The combination of the Hap or curtain D with the inner arm of the lower frame B, substantially as herein shown and described.

JACOB L. CHEVALIER. Titnesscs JAMEs T. GRAHAM, Yl. B. Mosman. 

